Spotted Cat’s-ear is a perennial plant with an erect, hairy stem, at the base of which there is a rosette of rhizome leaves with elongated elliptic leaves. The plant is 30 to 45 cm tall. The leaves are narrowed at the base, toothed, covered with small but rough hairs and red-brown spots. The root is vertical. The stem is almost naked, covered with brown scales, it may have one or two elongated leaves. At the top of the stems are yellow flower baskets. The fruit is a seed, which has a fluff along with the dandelion, only with a single row of hairs. The seeds are spread by the wind. Blooms in July-June, ripens seeds in late June-August.

For medicinal purposes, the above-ground parts of the spotted Cat’s-ear - leaves, stems and flower baskets are used. Medicinal drugs are collected in May-June. The plant is dried in a shaded, well-ventilated room, after which it is placed in paper bags. The drug is stored no longer than two years.

The chemical composition of spotted Cat’s-ear is still being studied. However, it is known that the composition of the plant includes carotenoids, flavonoids (isostin, luteolin), triterpene squalene (0.26%). Steroids, carotenoids, flavonoid luteolin are found in the leaves.

Medicinal significance

The literature indicates that the plant acts as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, wound-healing and laxative agent. These properties are provided by carotenoids and flavonoids in the plant - luteolin and isostein, triterpene squalene. Spotted Cat’s-ear has antitumor properties and is a promising plant for the treatment of some oncological diseases.

It has been experimentally determined that the plant has strong antibacterial properties and is effective against Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans.

The plant is also used in folk medicine. The ground part of the plant is crushed and used fresh, applied directly to festering wounds, trophic ulcers or cuts to promote faster recovery.

Plant compresses are also effective in case of oncological diseases, as well as when subcutaneous thickenings are formed (with the aim of softening them until they are absorbed). Decoctions of this plant are used in the treatment of constipation and colitis.

Not recommended for use 

The plant practically does not cause side effects. It is not recommended to use the plant during pregnancy and lactation, as well as if there is an allergic reaction to it and, of course, it is not desirable to treat small children with it.